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"We are confident Broadridge’s holistic suite of solutions will help us get them there."

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Charles Schwab today announced plans to significantly enhance its global investing offer through a strategic relationship with Broadridge Financial Solutions (NYSE:BR), a global industry leader in securities processing and business process outsourcing (BPO) solutions for financial services firms.

Key to these enhancements will be the launch of a robust, multi-country and multi-currency offering in Q1 2012, where Schwab clients can initially trade in 12 markets and eight currencies. Broadridge will provide the technology needed to support currency trade processing, accounting and reporting.

The collaboration with Broadridge represents the most recent addition to Schwab’s global investing services. Launched last fall with over-the-counter (OTC) foreign stocks, foreign equity trading by Schwab clients has accelerated dramatically, growing by more than 300 percent in the first quarter of 2011 over the prior year.

While Schwab already offers country and sector-based research for investors, the firm will soon introduce a suite of new guidance capabilities including global macro-economic and currency commentary from Schwab and third-party experts. It will also offer round-the-clock customer service and support for international trading of both equities and currencies.

“As our clients continue to take a broader world view with their portfolios and their long-term goals, we want to be sure they have a platform that lets them access global markets seamlessly, and houses research, tools and guidance that enable them to become more confident and successful investors,” said Brian McDonald, Senior Vice President of Active Investor and Core Client Experience at Charles Schwab. “We are confident Broadridge’s holistic suite of solutions will help us get them there.”

“Broadridge is pleased to be able to work with a respected firm like Schwab to create a best-in-class global trading experience for its clients,” said Joseph Barra, President of International Securities Processing and Global Outsourcing Solutions at Broadridge. “Our technology and operations BPO expertise will help Schwab establish its platform as a truly international investing destination with both trading and custody capabilities.”

The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW) is a leading provider of financial services, with more than 300 offices and 8.1 million client brokerage accounts, 1.4 million corporate retirement plan participants, 736,000 banking accounts, and $1.7 trillion in client assets. Through its operating subsidiaries, the company provides a full range of securities brokerage, banking, money management and financial advisory services to individual investors and independent investment advisors. Its broker-dealer subsidiary, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (member SIPC, www.sipc.org), and affiliates offer a complete range of investment services and products including an extensive selection of mutual funds; financial planning and investment advice; retirement plan and equity compensation plan services; referrals to independent fee-based investment advisors; and custodial, operational and trading support for independent, fee-based investment advisors through its Advisor Services division. Its banking subsidiary, Charles Schwab Bank (member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender), provides banking and mortgage services and products. More information is available at www.schwab.com and www.aboutschwab.com. (0711-4336)

International investments are subject to additional risks such as currency fluctuation, political instability and the potential for illiquid markets.

Foreign exchange trading may not be suitable for all investors, therefore ensure you fully understand the risks involved and carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience and risk appetite before investing. Any transaction involving currencies involves risk including, but not limited to, the potential for changing political and/or economic conditions that may substantially affect the price or liquidity of a currency.